Springs Evening Ride 9/25/13

What do you guys think? We can explore something like Palmer Trail/Section 16, or try Ute Valley, Red Rocks or CMSP. From what I can gather, both Cheyenne Canyon and Palmer Park are still closed. I'm up for anything.

Just think, one year ago we were getting ready for the 24 Hours of COS in Palmer Park--imagine if we had these conditions for that race?

Just got back from a short Ute lunch ride. It is still saturated with water in there. I guess we had more rain last night than I thought... The hog back wasn't bad, but then heading down the south trail toward the HP area the ground is soaked. I had to cut the ride short because my tires were just sinking in. There was even running water still coming down when I headed up the trail we start with when we leave the parking lot.

Palmer Park was opened Saturday morning. Some damage but nothing like what happened on the west side of town. The trails with the most clay are holding water and Palmer Point on the south-west side has a big boulder in the middle of the trail that needs to be moved. Everything else is typical Palmer after a storm. Not good, not bad just Palmer.

I rode CMSP on Saturday. It is dry but a big section of Cougars Shadow is thrashed and washed out. My rear derailleur is just barely holding on but it is at least rideable. I have never ridden Palmer Trail or Section 16 so I would be game to check those out

I've heard that Palmer Trail is in great shape and Section 16 isn't bad at all except for one of the hairpin corners about half way down and the lower sections through all that red clay like soil. Also heard there were some people disobeying the closed trail signs posted at both High Drive and at the top of Section 16.

Hi All,
Simon from Canada here - I cannot say thank you enough for showing me this awesome part of your trail systems!
Simply outstanding!!!
I truly appreciate the 'open arms' welcome to the ride... despite my obvious lack of climbing ability!!
For those ever lucky enough to get out with this group - do it!! Great group or guys and girl, and although I was disappointed to make them wait at the top of the climbs - to a man (and woman) it was never an issue with them!!
Just a great group. I travel with work (east coast) and am yet to hook up with such a good group!
Thanks again - patience on the ups and super friendly welcome was outstanding and so appreciated!

I am going to Angel Fire Sunday 29th. Renting a car and driving down. If anyone wants a ride for the day down to Angel Fire - let me know.

And one question. I spoke to a few of the group, my intention was to do the Monarch Crest trail (shuttle from Poncha Springs) next Sat/Sun Oct 5/6. Sounds like that might not be possible with the weather... So if that's the case - what MUST I do in the Colorado Rockies. I'll have a car, two free days - and am not opposed to hours of travel to see/do something that to me will probably be once in a lifetime...

Absolutely Simon--I'm glad you were able to hook up for a ride! So many of the "must do" rides in Colorado are winding down for the season. Keep an eye on the Monarch conditions--it's possible that we won't get snow again and that it will be rideable by Oct 5. If it's not, I'd suggest Fruita. It's a long drive, but the trails are a blast and it's going to be way different than anything you'll see on the east coast. What do the rest of you guys recommend?

That was a fun ride. Hopefully Jimmy is feeling ok this morning. Simon, I was going to suggest the same as Kristian. Check out Fruita and Grand Junction if you can't hit Monarch. The only negative is the 6+ hour drive.

Im feeling good... That was a great ride!!! Simon definitely hit fruita..its actually only about a 4 hour drive.
As far an angel fire, Im thinking im going to try and make that work! Do you have a contact number?